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Municipal votes · 2020–2021 Council

Barnstable Town Council

How the Barnstable Town Council voted, from the Town Council’s official minutes. 13 members, one per precinct. Paul Hebert presided through December 2020; Mathew Levesque from January 2021. We have loaded minutes from October 15, 2020 on. Covers 29 meetings, October 15 to November 4, 2021.

A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.

What does the Town Council do? It is the town’s lawmaking body (this town has no Town Meeting). It passes local laws (bylaws or ordinances), votes on the yearly budget, and approves borrowing and zoning changes.

The council hires the town manager or administrator, who runs the town day to day and proposes the budget.

Sources: Mass. General Laws c. 44 § 32 (city budgets)
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Members

Nikolas AtsalisTown Member · Town Council · at 25 of 25 meetings · from Nov 2020David BoganTown Member · Town Council · at 29 of 29 meetingsKristine ClarkTown Member · Town Council · at 28 of 29 meetingsJennifer CullumTown Member · Town Council · at 26 of 29 meetingsDebra DagwanTown Member · Town Council · at 27 of 29 meetingsPaul HebertTown Member · Town Council · at 29 of 29 meetingsPaul NearyTown Member · Town Council · at 28 of 29 meetingsJessica Rapp GrassettiTown Member · Town Council · at 28 of 29 meetingsPaula SchneppTown Member · Town Council · at 29 of 29 meetingsTracy ShaughnessyTown Member · Town Council · at 28 of 29 meetingsGordon StarrTown Member · Town Council · at 28 of 29 meetingsEric SteinhilberTown Member · Town Council · at 29 of 29 meetings

"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.

Meetings

About missing minutes

Not here yet: we have loaded the Town Council’s minutes from October 2020 on. Since 2021 most roll calls list the members voting yes and name those voting no or abstaining; we show those by name. When the minutes say only “unanimous” or give a count that matches everyone present, we show every member listed as present and mark the vote as worked out from the count. Votes that only send an item to a public hearing or second reading are labeled as such. Where a count cannot be matched to names, we show only the count. Motions are not credited to a mover: the minutes say “upon a motion duly made and seconded.”

Thursday, November 4, 2021 · Regular meeting7 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 13 members presentThursday, October 21, 2021 · Regular meeting15 recorded votes, 5 with disagreementAll 13 members presentThursday, October 7, 2021 · Regular meeting14 recorded votes, 1 with disagreementAbsent: Mathew LevesqueThursday, September 16, 2021 · Regular meeting10 recorded votes, 2 with disagreementAll 13 members presentThursday, September 2, 2021 · Regular meeting6 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 13 members present

Votes where members disagreed

Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.

Oct 21Amendment D - Member Starr 4) In addition to…Motion: Amendment D - Member Starr 4) In addition to the requirements…Failed 4–9 · see note

October 21, 2021: Amendment D - Councilor Starr 4) In addition to the requirements of subparagraphs (1) and (2), an additional 2% of the multifamily dwelling units shall be deed

ApproveFailed · 4–9

Amendment D - Councilor Starr 4) In addition to the requirements of subparagraphs (1) and (2), an additional 2% of the multifamily dwelling units shall be deed restricted as workforce housing units, offered for rent and affordable to families earning between 81% and 100% of the area median income, as determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Such residential dwelling units shall remain affordable in perpetuity and shall be subject to a Regulatory Agreement and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants and monitoring agreement and such other agreements or restrictions as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this subparagraph as may be required and approved by the Barnstable Town Attorney.” (Starr) More housing is needed and it needs to be affordable - needs more diversity within all levels. (Twohig) Feasibility of this amendment is a $2 million doll

The minutes record 4 yes, 9 no, but do not name every member’s vote, so individual votes are not shown.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was Amendment D - Councilor Starr 4) In addition to the requirements of subparagraphs (1) and (2), an additional 2% of the multifamily dwelling units shall be deed restricted as workforce housing units, offered for rent and affordable to families earning between 81% and 100% of the area median income, as determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Such residential … VOTE: FAILED 4 YES 9 NO Roll Call: YES Bogan, Clark, Dagwan, Starr NO Atsalis, Cullum, Rapp Grassetti, Hebert, Levesque, Neary, Schnepp, Shaughnessy, Steinhilber..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Oct 21TO AMEND ORDERED: That the Code of the Town…Motion: TO AMEND ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable,…Passed 11–2 · No: Clark, Starr

October 21, 2021: TO AMEND ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning be amended as follows: SECTION 1 By amending the Zoning

Adopt orderPassed · 11–2

TO AMEND ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning be amended as follows: SECTION 1 By amending the Zoning Map of Barnstable, Mass. Dated September 1, 1998, as previously amended, as referenced in Article II, Section 240-6, to add a Mixed-Use Sub Zone of the Medical Services Overlay District, as shown on maps dated July 7, 2021, prepared by the Town of Barnstable Geographical Information System Unit, and entitled:  Proposed Amendment to the Town Zoning Map Creating the Mixed-Use Sub Zone of the Medical Services Overlay District  Proposed Amendment to the Hyannis Zoning Map Creating the Mixed-Use Sub Zone of the Medical Services Overlay District  Proposed Amendment to the Barnstable Zoning Map Creating the Mixed-Use Sub Zone of the Medical Services Overlay District SECTION 2 By amending Article II, Section 240-5, Establishment of di

Yes: Atsalis, Bogan, Cullum, Dagwan, Grassetti, Hebert, Levesque, Neary, Schnepp, Shaughnessy, SteinhilberNo: Clark, Starr

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was TO AMEND ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning be amended as follows: SECTION 1 By amending the Zoning Map of Barnstable, Mass. Dated September 1, 1998, as previously amended, as referenced in Article II, Section 240-6, to add a Mixed-Use Sub Zone of the Medical Services Overlay District, as shown on maps dated July 7, 2021, prepared … VOTE: PASSES 11 YES 2 NO Clark, Starr Roll Call: YES Atsalis, Bogan, , Cullum, Dagwan, Rapp Grassetti, Hebert, Levesque, Neary, Schnepp, Shaughnessy, Steinhilber.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

Oct 212022-023 Appointments To A Board/committee/commissionMotion: RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoints the following individuals to a…Passed 12–1 · No: Bogan

October 21, 2021 · Item 2022-023: 2022-023 Appointments To A Board/committee/commission

AppointPassed · 12–1

RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoints the following individuals to a multiple- member Board/Committee/Commission: Council on Aging: Lucinda Loring, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2024; Disability Commission: Brian Freeman, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2024; John Lundborn, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2023; Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District Commission: Mark Despotopulos, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2023; Planning Board: Tim O'Neill, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2022

Yes: Atsalis, Clark, Cullum, Dagwan, Grassetti, Hebert, Levesque, Neary, Schnepp, Shaughnessy, Starr, SteinhilberNo: Bogan

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoints the following individuals to a multiple- member Board/Committee/Commission: Council on Aging: Lucinda Loring, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2024; Disability Commission: Brian Freeman, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2024; John Lundborn, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2023; Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic … VOTE: PASSES 12 YES 1 NO Bogan Roll Call: YES Atsalis, Clark, Cullum, Dagwan, Rapp Grassetti, Hebert, Levesque, Neary, Schnepp, Shaughnessy, Starr, Steinhilber..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Oct 21To go past 11 O'clock pmMotion: to go past 11 O'clock pm.Passed 11–2 · No: Clark, Levesque

October 21, 2021: To go past 11 O'clock pm.

ApprovePassed · 11–2

To go past 11 O'clock pm.

Yes: Atsalis, Bogan, Cullum, Dagwan, Grassetti, Hebert, Neary, Schnepp, Shaughnessy, Starr, SteinhilberNo: Clark, Levesque

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was to go past 11 O'clock pm. VOTE: PASSES 11YES 2 NO (Clark, Levesque) Roll Call: Atsalis, Bogan, Cullum, Dagwan, Rapp Grassetti, Hebert, Neary, Schnepp, Shaughnessy, Starr, Steinhilber..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Sep 16The Town Council does hereby determine that the financial…Motion: RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby determine that the financial…Passed 12–0 · see note

September 16, 2021: The Town Council does hereby determine that the financial interest of Mark Ells in decisions regarding the award of a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to Town e

ApprovePassed · 12–0

RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby determine that the financial interest of Mark Ells in decisions regarding the award of a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to Town employees in the Non-Affiliated Executive Group (Department Heads), including whether to award a COLA and the amount of any such COLA, as described in Mr. Ells‟ disclosure form presented to the Town Council at this meeting in accordance with G.L. c. 268A, § 19, is not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the Town may expect from Mr. Ells, thereby authorizing Mr. Ells to participate as Town Manager in such decisions during the term of his employment agreement with the Town; and ratifies the participation by Mr. Ells in the award of a COLA to Department Heads effective July 1, 2021; and further authorizes the President of the Town Council to make this determination on the

The minutes record 12 yes, 0 no, but do not name every member’s vote, so individual votes are not shown.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby determine that the financial interest of Mark Ells in decisions regarding the award of a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to Town employees in the Non-Affiliated Executive Group (Department Heads), including whether to award a COLA and the amount of any such COLA, as described in Mr. Ells‟ disclosure form presented to the Town Council at this … VOTE: PASSES 12 YES 1 No.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

Sep 16The Town Council hereby reaffirms and ratifies its vote…Motion: RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby reaffirms and ratifies its vote…Passed 12–0 · see note

September 16, 2021: The Town Council hereby reaffirms and ratifies its vote of October 10, 2019, authorizing the Town Manager to commence negotiations with Vineyard Wind, LLC, rega

ApprovePassed · 12–0

RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby reaffirms and ratifies its vote of October 10, 2019, authorizing the Town Manager to commence negotiations with Vineyard Wind, LLC, regarding amendments to the existing Host Community Agreement between the Town of Barnstable and Vineyard Wind, LLC (“HCA”); authorizes the Town Manager to negotiate amendments to the HCA or a new Host Community Agreement (“HCA II”) with Vineyard Wind with respect to an impending proposal of Vineyard Wind to bring a second off-shore wind project ashore at Craigville Beach; and further authorizes the Town Manager to negotiate and execute such other agreements as he may determine are necessary to arrange for parallel, simultaneous installation of sewer and related facilities alongside Vineyard Wind duct bank installations contemplated by either or both HCA and HCA II.

The minutes record 12 yes, 0 no, but do not name every member’s vote, so individual votes are not shown.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby reaffirms and ratifies its vote of October 10, 2019, authorizing the Town Manager to commence negotiations with Vineyard Wind, LLC, regarding amendments to the existing Host Community Agreement between the Town of Barnstable and Vineyard Wind, LLC (“HCA”); authorizes the Town Manager to negotiate amendments to the HCA or a new Host Community Agreement … VOTE: PASSES 12 YES.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

Aug 52022-002 Supplemental Appropriation Order In The Amount Of $15,000…Motion: ORDERED: That the amount of $15,000 be raised from current year…Passed 10–2 · No: Clark, Neary

August 5, 2021 · Item 2022-002: 2022-002 Supplemental Appropriation Order In The Amount Of $15,000 For The Purpose Of Paying Outside Counsel Expenses Of The Legal Department

Adopt orderPassed · 10–2

ORDERED: That the amount of $15,000 be raised from current year revenue and appropriated for the purpose of paying operating expenses of the Legal Department for the services of the law firm of Anderson & Kreiger, which is serving as outside counsel to the Town with respect to two lawsuits filed against the Town by the Conservation Law Foundation.

Yes: Bogan, Cullum, Dagwan, Grassetti, Hebert, Levesque, Schnepp, Shaughnessy, Starr, SteinhilberNo: Clark, Neary

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was ORDERED: That the amount of $15,000 be raised from current year revenue and appropriated for the purpose of paying operating expenses of the Legal Department for the services of the law firm of Anderson & Kreiger, which is serving as outside counsel to the Town with respect to two lawsuits filed against the Town by the Conservation Law Foundation. VOTE: PASSES 10 YES Roll Call: Bogan, Cullum, Dagwan, Rapp Grassetti, Hebert, Levesque, Schnepp, Shaughnessy, Starr, Steinhilber. 2 NO Clark, Neary.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Aug 52022-008 Transfer Order In The Amount Of $362,885.47 For…Motion: ORDERED: That Town Council appropriation order number 2017-069 for the Town…Passed 12–0 · see note

August 5, 2021 · Item 2022-008: 2022-008 Transfer Order In The Amount Of $362,885.47 For The Town Hall Restroom Renovations Project

Adopt loan orderPassed · 12–0

ORDERED: That Town Council appropriation order number 2017-069 for the Town Hall Restroom Renovations project be increased by the amount of $362,885.47 from $897,335 to $1,260,220.47 for the purpose of funding the Town Hall Restroom Renovations Project; and that to provide for this increase, that the remaining available funds under Town Council appropriation and loan order 2020-106 in the amount of $362,885.47 be transferred.

The minutes record 12 yes, 0 no, but do not name every member’s vote, so individual votes are not shown.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was ORDERED: That Town Council appropriation order number 2017-069 for the Town Hall Restroom Renovations project be increased by the amount of $362,885.47 from $897,335 to $1,260,220.47 for the purpose of funding the Town Hall Restroom Renovations Project; and that to provide for this increase, that the remaining available funds under Town Council appropriation and loan order 2020-106 in the amount of $362,885.47 be transferred. VOTE: PASSES 12 YES, 1 Abstain.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Jul 152021-130 Appointments To A Board/committee/commissionMotion: RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoints the following individuals to a…Passed 9–1 · No: Clark · Abstained: Bogan, Grassetti, Hebert

July 15, 2021 · Item 2021-130: 2021-130 Appointments To A Board/committee/commission

AppointPassed · 9–1

RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoints the following individuals to a multiple- member Board/Committee/Commission: Conservation Commission: William Hearn, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2024; Council on Aging: Jean Ahonen, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2022; Mid Cape Cultural Council: Michele McCoy, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2023; Infrastructure and Energy Committee: Clay Schofield, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2022; Jane Ward, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2022; Planning Board: Michael Mecinas, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2024; Recreation Commission: Nicholas Avery, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2022; Sandy Neck Board: Maureen Piccione, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2024; Waterways Committee: Todd Walantis, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2022; Gregory Egan, as a regular mem

Yes: Atsalis, Cullum, Dagwan, Levesque, Neary, Schnepp, Shaughnessy, Starr, SteinhilberNo: ClarkAbstained: Bogan, Grassetti, Hebert

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoints the following individuals to a multiple- member Board/Committee/Commission: Conservation Commission: William Hearn, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2024; Council on Aging: Jean Ahonen, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2022; Mid Cape Cultural Council: Michele McCoy, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/2023; Infrastructure and … VOTE: Roll Call: PASSES 9 YES Atsalis, Cullum, Dagwan, Levesque, Neary, Schnepp, Shaughnessy, Starr, Steinhilber, 1 NO Clark, 3 ABSTAIN Bogan, Rapp Grassetti, Hebert Jump to Agenda Item 2021-130B.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Jul 152021-130B Appointment To A Board/committee/commissionMotion: RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoints the following individual to a…Passed 12–0 · see note

July 15, 2021 · Item 2021-130B: 2021-130B Appointment To A Board/committee/commission

AppointPassed · 12–0

RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoints the following individual to a multiple- member Board/Committee/Commission: Youth Commission member: Mary Steinhilber, as a student member, to a term expiring 06/2022

The minutes record 12 yes, 0 no, but do not name every member’s vote, so individual votes are not shown.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoints the following individual to a multiple- member Board/Committee/Commission: Youth Commission member: Mary Steinhilber, as a student member, to a term expiring 06/2022 VOTE: Roll Call: PASSES 12 YES Atsalis, Bogan, Clark, Cullum, Dagwan, Rapp Grassetti, Hebert, Levesque, Neary, Schnepp, Shaughnessy, Starr Councilor Steinhilber rejoined the meeting..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

From the Barnstable Town Council’s official minutes, posted on the town’s website. We check every roll call against the recorded count and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Member photos: Cape Cod Times (Charles Bloom, Kristine Clark, John Crow, Felicia Penn, Barry Sheingold, Gordon Starr, Craig Tamash); the members’ own websites (William Crocker, Thomas Keane, Betty Ludtke); Seth Burdick from the Cotuit-Santuit Civic Association. Matthew Levesque from his Commercial Realty Advisors bio. Lisa DaLuz from Barnstable Government Access video of the October 1, 2026 Town Council meeting (identified by the nameplate in front of each member).

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